My kids are energetic about their education and work hard all day...until it comes time for silent reading!
My students live in a low-income, high crime area of Philadelphia.
We are a struggling school, where 100% of our students qualify for a free lunch and many of our students are below grade level in math and reading. Despite the adversities they face, my kids really do want to learn and be successful.
My Project
It saddens me to say that most of my students hate to read. Many of them are struggling readers and find it difficult to find books on their level that they find interesting. There are not many books that they can read and identify with the main characters and the experiences they go through. I'm requesting a class set of the book Monster, because it's a book that I think will capture their attention. Most of my students have friends or family members who have spent time in jail. Some of them are failing to see how their actions (or the actions of the people they spend time with) in middle school may be leading them down the same path. The effects of this book would be two-fold. First, to get my students excited and invested in reading. Second, to encourage thought and discussions about their future.
I want to capture my students' attention and show them that books CAN be interesting!
I think if they find one book they love, that they can relate to then they'll start looking for more. I think this could be THE book that turns my kids on to reading and has a positive impact on their future.
Nearly all students from low‑income households
Data about students' economic need comes from the National Center for Education Statistics, via our partners at MDR Education. Learn more
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As a teacher-founded nonprofit, we're trusted by thousands of teachers and supporters across the country. This classroom request for funding was created by Ms. Kolenut and reviewed by the DonorsChoose team.